Hot News: November 16, 2016

By Climate Nexus

Bush-Era EPA Contenders: Reuters reports that Jeff Holmstead and Mike Catanzaro, two current energy lobbyists who also served under both former Bush presidents, are among the top contenders to lead the EPA under the Trump administration. Holmstead, an attorney with Bracewell, now represents coal and oil industries. Under Bush II, he oversaw the “Clear Skies” legislation that allowed “three times as much mercury as the Clean Air Act.” Catanzaro, a lobbyist at CGCN with clients including Koch Industries and Noble Energy, has worked for former Speaker John Boehner and Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe. Robert Grady, also a contender for the position, advised Bush I on the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. (Reuters, The Hill)

Obama Admin Issues Fresh Methane Rules: The Interior Department finalized regulations aimed at preventing methane leaks from oil and natural gas production on public and Native American lands. If implemented, these rules could cut methane emissions by up to 35 percent. This is one of the last major climate regulations from the Obama administration before Trump assumes office and possibly implements plans to deregulate the oil and gas industries. Two energy trade groups immediately filed suitagainst the new rule. (Reuters, Washington Post $, Wall Street Journal $, Greenwire$, The Hill, AP, Politico Pro $, ThinkProgress)

More Action Needed: Most countries are likely to meet their national pledges under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions, but without dramatic action, the world would still exceed the 2°C goal by 0.7°C by the end of the century, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its latest World Energy Outlook. During a conference in Marrakech, Secretary of State John Kerry spoke of the the American people’s overwhelming support for the climate deal. In a statement addressed to Trump, more than 360 businesses and investors called on him and other world leaders to continue their support for the Paris Agreement and climate action. The group included corporate giants Unilever, General Mills, Starbucks, and DuPont. (IEA: Guardian, Reuters, Wall Street Journal $, Bloomberg, Financial Times $. Marrakech: Reuters, BusinessGreen $, Climate Home, New York Times $, Pacific Standard)

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Since its founding in 2011, Climate Nexus has drawn upon established and emerging science to personalize and localize the climate and energy story through work with the media, relevant NGOs and other thought leaders.